Top 10 Matches of This Memorable World Cup, Ranked
This World Cup summer has delivered an abundance of outstanding performances and dramatic finishes, making it tough to pick just one standout match. Below is a list ranking the 10 best games, leading up to Sunday’s eagerly awaited final between Spain and Argentina.
10. Paraguay 1, Germany 1 (4-3 on penalties) | Round of 32, June 29
Paraguay shocked the world by holding powerhouse Germany to a 1-1 draw through extra time, then edging them in penalties. Paraguay’s disciplined defense formed a tight low block, counterattacking only when chances arose. Germany dominated possession but could not break through. A late goal by Jonathan Tah was overturned via VAR, sending the match to shootouts where goalkeeper Orlando Gill made crucial saves.
9. Morocco 1, Netherlands 1 (3-2 on penalties) | Round of 32, June 29
Meeting so early in knockout stages, Morocco and Netherlands offered a quarterfinal-level battle. Cody Gakpo gave the Dutch the lead with a moving goal dedicated to his late son. Morocco equalized in stoppage time and survived a chaotic penalty shootout with multiple misses. Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen’s stunning saves kept the tension high.
8. Spain 2, France 0 | Semifinals, July 14
Spain dismantled France’s feared attacking lineup, controlling the pace and recovering possession quickly. France barely managed a shot on goal until very late. This victory continued Spain’s recent dominance over France in major tournaments, marking a crushing loss on the biggest stage.
7. Cape Verde 0, Spain 0 | Group Play, June 15
In their World Cup debut, Cape Verde held European champions Spain to a scoreless draw, defying expectations. Spain peppered the net with shots, but 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha produced multiple spectacular saves. Cape Verde earned a historic point against a football giant.
6. Belgium 3, Senegal 2 | Round of 32, July 1
Belgium staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down late in regulation. Romelu Lukaku sparked the rally, Youri Tielemans equalized, then clinched victory with a late penalty after a VAR review. Senegal struggled to hold leads late, a fate common among African teams this tournament.
5. Argentina 2, England 1 | Semifinals, July 15
England coach Thomas Tuchel’s defensive shift late in the game stifled his team’s attacking edge. With Argentina pressing hard, Enzo Fernandez tied the match, then Lautaro Martinez scored the winner in stoppage time. Lionel Messi assisted both goals, ensuring his side’s place in the final. England let slip a chance to win.
4. Portugal 2, Croatia 1 | Round of 32, July 2
The focus was on potential final World Cup appearances for veterans Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo. The match ended dramatically with Croatia’s last-minute equalizer disallowed due to a barely perceptible offside detected by ball sensors. The decision left many stunned, overshadowing an intense contest.
3. Argentina 3, Egypt 2 | Round of 16, July 7
Egypt took a 2-0 lead deep into the second half, nearing a historic quarterfinal berth. Then Lionel Messi sparked a stunning comeback with a cross setting up Christian Romero, followed by his own goal. Enzo Fernandez’s stoppage-time header sealed the win. Controversial refereeing decisions left Egypt feeling unfairly treated.
"We have been cheated unfairly today," Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said after the match.
2. England 3, Mexico 2 | Round of 16, July 5
England faced the daunting task of beating Mexico at Estadio Azteca, a fortress where Mexico rarely loses. Despite Mexico's strong play, England took the lead thanks to Jude Bellingham’s quick brace. After a red card, Harry Kane scored a penalty, and England held on under heavy pressure. Fans sang “Football’s coming home” inside the iconic stadium, though the journey continues.
1. Argentina 3, Cape Verde 2 | Round of 32, July 3
Like a top seed battling a massive underdog, Argentina faced debutants Cape Verde, a nation smaller than many U.S. cities. Twice Argentina led, twice Cape Verde equalized, including a stunning curling goal by Sidny Lopes Cabral. Argentina finally won in extra time but Cape Verde’s fearless fight won respect worldwide. They drew all their group matches against former champions, a remarkable feat.
